New era for Silver Hawks?

With Diamondbacks agreement in limbo, future hazy

With Diamondbacks agreement in limbo, future hazy

September 12, 2006|FORREST MILLER Tribune Staff Writer

Whether there will be many familiar faces around Coveleski Stadium in 2007 could depend on the Arizona Diamondbacks. South Bend's working agreement with the Diamondbacks has expired. An announcement is expected within a few days on whether the agreement will be extended. Arizona personnel visited South Bend often during the 2006 season that ended with a two-and-out playoff defeat to Lansing. South Bend manager Mark Haley wouldn't mind returning. But a new working agreement could affect his status. "I would rather be managing Class A ball in South Bend than managing Class A ball in Lancaster,'' said Haley. Lancaster, in the California League, is the next step up the Arizona farm system ladder. Haley, firmly entrenched in the South Bend community, would eventually like to join a major league team or become a farm director for one. He has enjoyed his working relationship with new team owner Joe Kernan. Kernan's visibility at Coveleski Stadium has gone over well with fans. You might see him picking up trash around the stadium, hob-nobbing with customers in the parking lot, greeting fans as they come through the gate, or he might sit down next to you in the stands. On most nights it would be nearly impossible to avoid him. "I think we make a good team,'' said Haley. Some of Kernan's stadium staff have left or will be leaving. Minor league baseball jobs are a high turnover profession. General manager Tim Arseneau has joined the Southern Illinois Baseball Group which made a bid for the South Bend franchise, and now plans to join the Frontier League. You probably won't see any 2006 Silver Hawks in a major league uniform soon. Whether any return to South Bend depends on the working agreement. Justin Upton, the 2005 overall No. 1 draft pick, hit .263 -- good, but not great -- in his first season of professional baseball. He is not an accomplished centerfielder, and he hasn't learned how to hit the breaking ball. Because of the money the Diamondbacks have invested in him, he will likely move up the ladder. First baseman Bryan Byrne hit .286 and Haley believes he has a bright future in the game. "He needs to increase his power numbers, that's what you need from a first baseman. Byrne had 10 home runs and 24 doubles this season. Shortstop Pedro Ciriaco and his .264 average may have been the most pleasant surprise. Despite two costly errors in the playoffs after 45 during the season, his defense was at times spectacular. "There were some concerns that he might be too frail to survive a 140-game season, but that wasn't the case,'' said Haley. Two pitchers who had strong first halves of the season, Cody Evans and Anthony Cupps, were promoted at mid-season. Others, including Kyle Wright, Ryan Doherty and Adam Howard, will probably move up. South Bend finished 74-62 in the Midwest League season. In 2005 the Silver Hawks were 84-56. Staff writer Forrest Miller:wmiller@sbtinfo.com(574) 235-6315